Craving: A Kylo Ren Tale

Fifteen

Ripping off my coat, I let the winter wind billow across my frame.

The tank top does little to protect me from the elements and for that I'm so fucking glad. I can feel that I'm flushed, and know that my face is bright red. His hands were on my body for no more than five seconds and I've completely come undone.

Trying my best to regain my composure, I light my cigarette and take a few drags. Soon I hear Rose calling my name.

"There you are! Can I borrow your lighter, I-" she stops after seeing the look on my face.

"Oh my god, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost. And put your coat on!"

I mindlessly do as she says and hand her the flame she desires. I'm still staring off into space as she starts talking about something but I'm not listening to a word she's uttering.

"Kylo's here," I whisper, interrupting whatever she had been saying about the last artist on stage.

"What?"

"Kylo. He's here. Right now. Inside."

"Oh fuck. What are you going to do about Vic?" She studies my face as I mull over her question. But being the true friend she is, she doesn't need me to speak the words written all over my face.

"Okay, okay, I get it. He's a nice guy but damn, Kylo's really doing a number on you, huh? I've seen his picture, I get it girl." She chuckles as I try to steady my breathing and laugh off the nervous energy. She continues. "Alright I have a plan, and you owe me one for this. Let's go inside."

She leads me back into the warehouse and when we both spot Kylo she squeezes my hand and whispers "Oh fuck, okay yeah this is happening."

Vic is chatting with Amy nearby, and Rose strolls up to politely interrupt their conversation.

"So sorry to bother you, but do you think I could get a ride back to my car? It's getting pretty late and I still have to drive back to Cherry Hill tonight. I don't want to cut your evening short but it would really mean a lot to me."

I watch as Rose turns on the charm, flashing her doe eyes and bright smile for Vic. I also watch as his own eyes dart to me, wondering if I'll be joining them.

"I'm okay, I'd like to stay a bit longer. I'll be fine, you two get home safe." I hope I'm coming across as polite and not dismissive.

"You're not going to Uber are you? Those guys sketch me out at this hour," Vic says. And then I watch his demeanor abruptly change from sweet to stiff.

"I'll drive her home. We live together, after all," says a baritone voice behind me.

I don't need to turn, I know Kylo is standing just behind me. But I do wonder what look is upon his face, because I see a sudden realization wash over Vic. His eyes move back and forth between my face and Kylo's, and he doesn't hide the disappointment as quickly as I'm sure he'd like to.

"Of course, sir." He clears his throat and throws on a halfway convincing smile. "I'm ready whenever you are, Rose."

The two of them start towards the valet while Amy excuses herself to find her wife. The tension in the air is palpable.

I spend the next hour sitting alone at the table, drinking wine, somewhat watching the performances. But my attention is always on Kylo. He's making the rounds and chatting with other artists, answering their questions about his latest show in San Francisco. Phasma seems quite pleased with how the sales went. They all suck up to Kylo, but I can tell he finds everyone here beneath him.